The Law and Economics of Life Sciences
by Prof. Catherine Sharkey
Regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and vaccines — life sciences fields of rapid technological growth and innovation — are topics of legal, economic, and policy significance. We will study how technological advances, including artificial intelligence, in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry challenge and demand redefinition of the institutional relationships between the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and courts, and of the mechanisms of supervision and control provided by the market, governmental regulation, and products liability litigation.
Monday, 14 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Tuesday, 15 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Wednesday, 16 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Thursday, 17 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Monday, 21 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Tuesday, 22 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Wednesday, 23 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Thursday, 24 July 2025: 9:30 - 12:00
Location: Faculty of Business and Economics, Peter Merian-Weg 6, 4052 Basel,
The course is designed for both business and law students or students interested in the subject. No specific prerequisites are required.
You are expected to prepare for and attend every class and participate actively.
Grading will be determined by class participation, one in-class presentation and a final written, closed-book examination.
Date of final examination: 25 July 2025.
This course will be counted in the following degree programs in the respective modules:
Bachelor's Studies: Business and Economics (Studium Generalis / Major in Business / Major in Economics)
Module: Specific Electives in Business and Economics
Bachelor's Studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (BSF Business and Economics)
Wahlbereich: zusätzliches Lehrangebot
Master of Law:
ausserfakultäres Wahlfach
Master of Business Law:
Part of the regular study program. For more details please see guidelines 2 study programs
Catherine Sharkey
Professor of Law
School of Law, New York University